Huh. Early coverage on the golf channel means or at least meant in the past they couldn't show actual golf but they would be in the background warming up or could only show a few highlights. But no I have no problem with being wrong. It's just not common. I surely hope they changed their stupid rule.

Thursday Event Timing
Gates Open
8:00 AMEDT
Gates Close
30 mins after playLive Coverage Online
Times for Live Coverage on Masters.com are estimated based on when players are expected to make the turn. Coverage may begin earlier or later based on speed of play.